mixed blend of chocolate

THE CHiRAL NIGHT rhythm carnival

I got my copy of THE CHiRAL NIGHT rhythm carnival a while back. Back when the trial version was released on their website, I was pretty hooked onto it. So I knew that I had to get my hands on the full version when it came out. I’m really glad I did, so here’s my short review of it!

As you can see from the menu, there is “Theater“, “Free Play” and “Movie“. You have to go follow the short story through “Theater”, and to complete each song so as to unlock them in the “Free Play” section. You are free to choose your level of difficulty (Sweet, Regular, or Bitter), so I don’t think it should be a problem to clear all of the 20 songs. There are 21 songs to play in “Free Play” though, as they included two versions of ‘GRIND’ (from Togainu no Chi).

“Movie” is basically a library of movie clips created for all of the various songs. It’s obvious that DRAMAtical Murder has a lot of songs, which also means that a lot of its songs could not make it into the rhythm game. And actually, we’re not even counting in the songs for the different drama CDs for each game. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if they released downloadable content for the remaining songs because I’m sure that it will be really fun too.

As for the rhythm game itself, the best way will be for you to try out the trial and see how much you enjoy it! The trial version allows you to play ‘GRIND’, ‘Lamento’, ‘I’m in blue’ and ‘AI CATCH’. It’s also nice to note that you can alter the configuration of the 5 note keys.

Personally, I feel that it is easier for you to extend your combos when compared to other (mobile) rhythm games. For example, it is okay as long as you get “Good”. Other games will discontinue your combo unless you obtain “Great” or “Perfect”. Also, it is okay as long as you hit at least one note for combination notes; it also doesn’t penalise you if you don’t hold the note till the end. I’m pretty sure other games will end your combo in those cases. So that was a nice surprise. After all, we all had our 惜しい moments when you could not get a perfect combo because of those issues – but we can avoid that here!

I also love how our four protagonists will pop up along the sides of the screen as you progress through the song. Plus, how those four secret characters will show up at the bottom of the screen whenever you hit combos in 100s. It’s a cute and encouraging touch.

That being said, I have only extensively played “Regular” level of difficulty. The only song I’ve managed to complete at “Bitter” level is ‘GRIND’. (Yes, I will go back and perfectly master all of the songs’ “Sweet” level of difficulty too. I’m a completionist.) To be honest, I’m not sure if I can get through some of the songs at “Bitter” level. But well, “Regular” level is fun enough for me. And when a game isn’t easy to master – that makes you want to practise and play it more right? And I enjoy all of the songs too and don’t mind listening to them over and over again, so that’s a huge bonus for me.

In terms of spoilers, you will be seeing the different CGs from each game during the songs – so yes you will be spoiled visually. There will also be references made during the story (in “Theater”), especially with regards to…well, antagonists and secret characters? If you haven’t played those games, you may be confused.

If you don’t mind that and haven’t played all four games, then by all means go ahead and try it out! And of course if you have played all four games and enjoy the soundtracks, even more reason to try it out! As I mentioned, the best way would be to download the trial and to see if it’s your cup of tea or not.

5 thoughts on “THE CHiRAL NIGHT rhythm carnival”

Oh, so this is actually a game. I initially thought that this is a concert or musical so I never really paid it any attention. ;;;;;;
OMG you can play AI CATCH??? Is the trial still available on the official website?

Ohh hope that you’ll enjoy it lots once you get your copy 😀
Heheh I see that your avatar is now Konoe! My favourite is Asato ❤
But yes, looking forward to their new game too! Can't wait for updates on it